I have been trying to use my CPAP on and off for the past 6 months. The problem is that I am feeling more and more extreme claustrophobic feelings wearing the mask. (Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal CPAP Mask).
I am having anxiety, panic attacks and worse yet I now have anxiety attacks having the thought of falling asleep without CPAP.
I am up until endless hours of the night worrying that i will stop breathing and suffocate in my sleep.
The sleep clinic doctor prescribed sleeping pills to use when wearing the mask and he makes it sound like that is the only solution but I dont want to get hooked on sleeping pills.
I have also tried the nasal pillows but since I like to sleep on my side they have not worked that well for me.
Can anyone please give me some suggestions...
I am at my wits end. Want to sleep badly but cant sleep without taking medications.
There has to be a better way.
Claustrophobic and anxiety attacks
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Selena (but really Julie)
Claustrophobic...
Hi, which nasal pillows have you tried? There are many versions.
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Sleepless in St. Louis
- Posts: 254
- Joined: Sun Mar 19, 2006 11:12 am
- Location: St. Louis
What has the doctor given you. Are you on any other meds like anti-depressants? I would not be afraid if I were you (there may be other factors that we don't know about though) of using sleeping pills or anti anxiety drugs such as Xanax for a short period of time to help you get over the hump of getting used to wearing the mask at night. You seem to have two stressors acting againt each other. You do not like the feeling of wearing your mask, yet you are worried that you will die if you take it off. You're brain is putting you in a no-win situation it seems to me. You may have to intervene and break that cycle. Many people with anxiety / panic / depressive disorders have it all mixed in with their apnea (like me). Getting good sleep in my opinion will help make you feel more calm and able to cope with these things. So, the first order of business I feel is getting you to sleep more which will hopfully in turn put you in a better position to deal with some of the other issues you are having. The good news is that many people find that the newer sleeping aids and even Xanax are not so habit forming that you can never get off of them. Anti-depressants are another story and can be difficult to stop taking. Hope this helps you.
Sucking Wind since Feb '06.
Chomper,
I had many of the same symptoms and issues when I first started using the CPAP. In fact, the sleep clinic tried to get me to use a full-face mask during my first sleep study and I almost walked out after 15 minutes of hyperventilating with it on my face. Yikes!
If you're using a large nasal mask, you should definitely investigate either the Swift nasal pillows or a mask like the Comfort Curve. Both are much less "invasive" from a claustrophobic point of view and I've found that just having a clear sightline makes a big difference in my anxiety level.
That said, the best thing you can do in the interim is to try wearing your mask for short periods of time while you're up and around to dispel the fear of sleeping with the mask. No better way to lose sleep than to worry about not sleeping! You probably already know this, but be sure to turn on the machine before you put your mask on. That way there's no suffocating sensation when you first get started. If you can cope with the mask on for 5 minutes, then 10, then 15 and so on while you're awake, the next step is to try it in bed. To ensure that you get enough rest, go to bed 30 minutes earlier so that you can get used to wearing the mask -- even if you take it off before you go to sleep. You'll be surprised at how quickly the negative reaction wears off. I spent my first week wearing the mask while I watched tv before going to bed so I wouldn't lie in the dark freaking out about it and trying to get some rest. I went from 30 minutes to 2 hours upright before I was able to wear the mask all night long. And remember, even if you're only able to wear the mask for a part of the night, it still has therapeutic benefits.
Long story short, take it a step at a time and it will definitely sort itself out.
If I can help in any way -- even just to empathise -- I'm happy to do so.
Good luck!
Kurtchan
I had many of the same symptoms and issues when I first started using the CPAP. In fact, the sleep clinic tried to get me to use a full-face mask during my first sleep study and I almost walked out after 15 minutes of hyperventilating with it on my face. Yikes!
If you're using a large nasal mask, you should definitely investigate either the Swift nasal pillows or a mask like the Comfort Curve. Both are much less "invasive" from a claustrophobic point of view and I've found that just having a clear sightline makes a big difference in my anxiety level.
That said, the best thing you can do in the interim is to try wearing your mask for short periods of time while you're up and around to dispel the fear of sleeping with the mask. No better way to lose sleep than to worry about not sleeping! You probably already know this, but be sure to turn on the machine before you put your mask on. That way there's no suffocating sensation when you first get started. If you can cope with the mask on for 5 minutes, then 10, then 15 and so on while you're awake, the next step is to try it in bed. To ensure that you get enough rest, go to bed 30 minutes earlier so that you can get used to wearing the mask -- even if you take it off before you go to sleep. You'll be surprised at how quickly the negative reaction wears off. I spent my first week wearing the mask while I watched tv before going to bed so I wouldn't lie in the dark freaking out about it and trying to get some rest. I went from 30 minutes to 2 hours upright before I was able to wear the mask all night long. And remember, even if you're only able to wear the mask for a part of the night, it still has therapeutic benefits.
Long story short, take it a step at a time and it will definitely sort itself out.
If I can help in any way -- even just to empathise -- I'm happy to do so.
Good luck!
Kurtchan
"Life is not a dress rehearsal."
Re: Claustrophobic and anxiety attacks
[quote="chomper"]I have been trying to use my CPAP on and off for the past 6 months. The problem is that I am feeling more and more extreme claustrophobic feelings wearing the mask. (Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal CPAP Mask).
I am having anxiety, panic attacks and worse yet I now have anxiety attacks having the thought of falling asleep without CPAP.
I am up until endless hours of the night worrying that i will stop breathing and suffocate in my sleep.
The sleep clinic doctor prescribed sleeping pills to use when wearing the mask and he makes it sound like that is the only solution but I dont want to get hooked on sleeping pills.
I have also tried the nasal pillows but since I like to sleep on my side they have not worked that well for me.
Can anyone please give me some suggestions...
I am at my wits end. Want to sleep badly but cant sleep without taking medications.
There has to be a better way.
I am having anxiety, panic attacks and worse yet I now have anxiety attacks having the thought of falling asleep without CPAP.
I am up until endless hours of the night worrying that i will stop breathing and suffocate in my sleep.
The sleep clinic doctor prescribed sleeping pills to use when wearing the mask and he makes it sound like that is the only solution but I dont want to get hooked on sleeping pills.
I have also tried the nasal pillows but since I like to sleep on my side they have not worked that well for me.
Can anyone please give me some suggestions...
I am at my wits end. Want to sleep badly but cant sleep without taking medications.
There has to be a better way.
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
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inacpapfog
- Posts: 538
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:03 pm
- Location: SC
[b]Definitly spend practice time with your mask/machine during the day![/b]
It will give you more confidence and peace of mind!
Nothing is worse than dreading sleep!
And, like Goofproof suggests, check out the hardware specifics. There is always a chance that the ramp and/or pressure setting may need adjustment.
It will give you more confidence and peace of mind!
Nothing is worse than dreading sleep!
And, like Goofproof suggests, check out the hardware specifics. There is always a chance that the ramp and/or pressure setting may need adjustment.
Everyone,
Thanks so much for caring about my condition. It is really nice to know that there are people out there who care.
To answer some of your questions:
I tried Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System, and the comfortlite ones. I found that out of the two the comfortlite was better but my nostrils used to hurt in the morning. This might have been due to me sleeping on the side or moving around.
Also, I am taking flo-nase as it seems that my sinuses are allways stuffed up.
I am wondering if any of you have the same problem with swallowing. It seems that the flo nase works well for the sinuses but I find that when I swallow that it seems hard to do so.
This usually makes the panic attacks start because I feel like my throat is getting smaller (probably my imagination) and then the feelings of not being able to breath start.
If I can figure out what the problem could be it would help. My sleep doctor told me that generally when you have that its because my mouth is dry and that he only diagnoses sleep problems.
I live in Canada and unfortunately the medical system here in BC is not very good although its free.
Its hard to get appointments with specialists and it took me almost a year to get into the sleep clinic.
I am going to try also to wear the mask during the day so as to get used to it.
As far as the sleeping aids, I will try them for a little while but still not comfortable as I have an addictive personality.
Any other suggestions are always appreciated.
Thanks so much for caring about my condition. It is really nice to know that there are people out there who care.
To answer some of your questions:
I tried Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System, and the comfortlite ones. I found that out of the two the comfortlite was better but my nostrils used to hurt in the morning. This might have been due to me sleeping on the side or moving around.
Also, I am taking flo-nase as it seems that my sinuses are allways stuffed up.
I am wondering if any of you have the same problem with swallowing. It seems that the flo nase works well for the sinuses but I find that when I swallow that it seems hard to do so.
This usually makes the panic attacks start because I feel like my throat is getting smaller (probably my imagination) and then the feelings of not being able to breath start.
If I can figure out what the problem could be it would help. My sleep doctor told me that generally when you have that its because my mouth is dry and that he only diagnoses sleep problems.
I live in Canada and unfortunately the medical system here in BC is not very good although its free.
Its hard to get appointments with specialists and it took me almost a year to get into the sleep clinic.
I am going to try also to wear the mask during the day so as to get used to it.
As far as the sleeping aids, I will try them for a little while but still not comfortable as I have an addictive personality.
Any other suggestions are always appreciated.
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Mile High Sleeper
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2005 5:48 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
claustrophobia suggestions
Chomper, two suggestions.
What is your pressure setting? Many people, including me, experience mild feelings of suffocation, anxiety, or insomnia with settings of 4, 5, or maybe even 6, since they aren't getting enough air. You might be one of those who need 7, 8, or 9 as your lowest setting.
Is the Flo-Nase making your breathing worse? Many products have chemicals or preservatives that have a rebound effect, making the condition worse in time. You could try nasal irrigation, using salt and baking soda without a preservative, with a bulb syringe, Grossan nasal irrigator, or neti pot. Search this forum for details.
What is your pressure setting? Many people, including me, experience mild feelings of suffocation, anxiety, or insomnia with settings of 4, 5, or maybe even 6, since they aren't getting enough air. You might be one of those who need 7, 8, or 9 as your lowest setting.
Is the Flo-Nase making your breathing worse? Many products have chemicals or preservatives that have a rebound effect, making the condition worse in time. You could try nasal irrigation, using salt and baking soda without a preservative, with a bulb syringe, Grossan nasal irrigator, or neti pot. Search this forum for details.
_________________
| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: SleepZone heated hose, PAPillow, bed wedge, Grossan Hydro-Mate, SnuggleHose, AIEOMed Everest w/ hh, battery pack, DC cord, PadACheek, Headrest pillows |
Mile High Sleeper Gal
Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. - Albert Einstein
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. - Albert Einstein
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
claustrophobic and anxiety attacks
the swift from resmed uses pillows but the tubing can be switched to the opposite side that one is sleeping on. the best claustraphobic mask. also, resmeds activa is very good - especially for those with leak problems but is large for those with claustraphobia.
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Snoozin' Bluezzz
- Posts: 596
- Joined: Sat Mar 18, 2006 4:12 pm
- Location: Northeast Illinois
I had the same response to nasal masks and the Swift felt like a gift from heaven when I tried it. Like someone else said, having nothing in my sight line was what helped so much. After success with the Swift I became more tolerant and can use a nasal mask if I need to. I loved the Headrest for comfort in side sleeping but had some other idosyncratic problems with it (meaning probably specific to me and would not necessarily be a problem for you). In fact, I would give the Headrest a try if you can but you will need to insulate the hose heavily (or buy the heated hose) to prevent the rainout it is notorious for.
Good Luck
David
Good Luck
David
Only go straight, don't know.
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n2waterdogs
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:44 pm
I am having the same problems. I have to call my doctor's office back to get a script to have my pressure changed from 6 to 8, for starters.
I am trying hard to treat my allergy symptoms and nose stuffiness, which is impeding my use of CPAP, because I feel like I can't get enough air also.
Right now I am not putting so much pressure on myself to have it on all night, but do try to keep it on as much as possible. I am keeping a log to see my progress. If I can keep it on at least a few hours I know that helps.
Keep trying, and know you aren't the only one struggling.
I am trying hard to treat my allergy symptoms and nose stuffiness, which is impeding my use of CPAP, because I feel like I can't get enough air also.
Right now I am not putting so much pressure on myself to have it on all night, but do try to keep it on as much as possible. I am keeping a log to see my progress. If I can keep it on at least a few hours I know that helps.
Keep trying, and know you aren't the only one struggling.
To sleep, perchance to dream
Swallowing-It is not just you. It can/does feel difficult to swallow with the XPAP on-it must work against the usual swallowing mechanisms-I often end up with plugged up ears for a few minutes after swallowing-I want to try to time my swallowing but don't quite have the hang of just how to do that.
Sleeping pills-again not just you. Lots of people fear getting hooked. If you have been given an Rx for one of the newer non narcotic, non benzodiazepine meds-they don't have the same potential for addiction (Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem) If you use them every night for a few weeks they will give you a rebound insomnia-but nothering like withdrawal from a truly addicting drug. Learn more so you can make an informed choice for yourself based on knowledge of the drug not fear of it. It takes about 21 days to form a new habit so maybe setting a 1 month limit for the sleeping pills would help in using them when you need to.
Suffocation-I didn't notice the interface you are using-if pillows or nasal mask-you WILL breath through your mouth in an emergency. If using an interface that covers your nose and mouth-do make sure you choose a mask with an emergency port. It does not really need to have the port as you would wake up to breath-but I find it reassuring that mask I use does have a port to let in air if the electricity goes off.
Sleeping pills-again not just you. Lots of people fear getting hooked. If you have been given an Rx for one of the newer non narcotic, non benzodiazepine meds-they don't have the same potential for addiction (Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem) If you use them every night for a few weeks they will give you a rebound insomnia-but nothering like withdrawal from a truly addicting drug. Learn more so you can make an informed choice for yourself based on knowledge of the drug not fear of it. It takes about 21 days to form a new habit so maybe setting a 1 month limit for the sleeping pills would help in using them when you need to.
Suffocation-I didn't notice the interface you are using-if pillows or nasal mask-you WILL breath through your mouth in an emergency. If using an interface that covers your nose and mouth-do make sure you choose a mask with an emergency port. It does not really need to have the port as you would wake up to breath-but I find it reassuring that mask I use does have a port to let in air if the electricity goes off.
Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.....Galbraith's Law
Personally, I wouldn't take a prescription med for it, I prefer the natural route instead.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter, chemicals that facilitate communication between nerve cells. GABA, which is produced by the brain, suppresses nerve impulses related to stress and anxiety.
Valerian extract: Valerian extract is one herb shown to relieve anxiety in numerous scientific studies. When taken in doses of 50-500 mg, Valerian extract can help you feel more relaxed and less worried. It usually works quickly after about 30 minutes, and unlike anti-anxiety drugs, Valerian is not addictive. High-quality natural anxiety supplements contain Valerian extract that's standardized to contain at least 0.8% of valerenic acid, the active constituent.
St. John's wart: I've taken this before it kind of leaves you with an at ease feeling.
Avoid Vitamin-Bxx products: Be careful taking any supplements or energy products like Red Bull that contain high amounts vitamin B for energy, because the toxic effects of too much vitamin B is anxiety.
Vitamin B6, folic Acid etc. is okay. Time will get you over the anxiety hump.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter, chemicals that facilitate communication between nerve cells. GABA, which is produced by the brain, suppresses nerve impulses related to stress and anxiety.
Valerian extract: Valerian extract is one herb shown to relieve anxiety in numerous scientific studies. When taken in doses of 50-500 mg, Valerian extract can help you feel more relaxed and less worried. It usually works quickly after about 30 minutes, and unlike anti-anxiety drugs, Valerian is not addictive. High-quality natural anxiety supplements contain Valerian extract that's standardized to contain at least 0.8% of valerenic acid, the active constituent.
St. John's wart: I've taken this before it kind of leaves you with an at ease feeling.
Avoid Vitamin-Bxx products: Be careful taking any supplements or energy products like Red Bull that contain high amounts vitamin B for energy, because the toxic effects of too much vitamin B is anxiety.
Vitamin B6, folic Acid etc. is okay. Time will get you over the anxiety hump.